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Location notes

Blea Moor, just north of the Ribblehead Viaduct, is one of the 'classic' location on the Settle and Carlisle line and also home to one of the most remote signal boxes in the UK. This location is about 1km from the nearest place with Road Access and is a walk across Blea Moor Common under the viaduct.For more information on the Settle and Carlisle line please see the Settle - Carlisle Partnership website and consider joining Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line.

Railway type and traffic

Most of the local services to Carlisle are operated by 158 multiple units.There are a number of freight services operated by DB Schenker/Freightliner/GBRf. DRS operate the autumnal RHTT trains over the route.

Environment

It really is the middle of nowhere! Weather can change very fast, so come prepared bearing in mind it’s at least a 20 minute walk back to the car/nearest station.

Road directions

Take B6479 if coming from the south which links to the A65 around Settle. Or take the B6255 off the A65 if coming from the north.

There is plenty of parking around the Station Inn at Ribblehead (although not in their private car park.) Parking can be problem on sunny days as Ribblehead is used as a base for many walkers.Once parked, walk along the stone road to the north of the Station Inn. Follow the path up the hill rather than under the viaduct and keep walking past the signal box and house until you come to where a stream crosses the path. From here you should be able to see the bridge to the left.

Public transport

There is a train roughly every 2 hours in each direction to Leeds and Carlisle. The nearest station would be Ribblehead, and this would be a good 30 to 40 minute walk. Cumbria Classic Coaches operate the 570 bus on Tuesdays between Hawes and Ribblehead in the summer only.

The light for southbound trains is good for afternoon trains, but difficult for northbound trains as it never really gets round far enough to “get on the nose”, other than at the height of summer. Unfortunately the northbound shot is the better with the box, signals and Ingleborough in the background. The signals and changing of the points gives advanced warning of oncoming trains.

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